Compressor having counterweight shield

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,838 filed on Sep. 23, 2002 entitled COMPRESSOR HAVING COUNTERWEIGHT SHIELD the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to compressors and, more particularly, compressors having a rotatable counterweight with a shield surrounding the counterweight.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional compressor designs often include a rotating shaft which is eccentrically loaded, such as a shaft coupled to the orbiting scroll in a scroll compressor. Such eccentrically loaded shafts typically include counterweights which may be mounted directly to the shaft or located on the rotor of a motor which is coupled to the shaft. Although shielding for such counterweights is known, an improved shielding assembly for such counterweights is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a compressor having an improved shielding assembly for counterweight wherein the shielding is mounted to a bearing support for the shaft and has a generally cylindrical section for surrounding a counterweight. The shielding may include flexible tabs having inwardly bent portions for engaging a groove or recess on the bearing support and thereby mounting the shield to the bearing support.

The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a compressor assembly. The compressor assembly includes a housing, a compressor mechanism disposed within the housing and a bearing support mounted within the housing. A shaft, rotatable about a shaft axis which is disposed substantially horizontally during operation of the compressor assembly, is also provided. The shaft has first and second opposed ends wherein the first end is operably coupled to the compressor mechanism. A bearing is mounted on the bearing support and rotatably supports the shaft proximate the second end of the shaft. A counterweight is rotationally coupled with the shaft and disposed proximate the second end of the shaft. The housing defines an interior plenum wherein lubricating oil is pooled in a bottom portion of the interior plenum and wherein the bearing support, the bearing, the counterweight and the shaft are all disposed within the interior plenum. The assembly also includes an oil shield having a plurality of flexible members which mount the oil shield to the bearing support proximate the bearing. The oil shield has a substantially cylindrical portion extending outwardly from the bearing support and the counterweight is at least partially disposed within the substantially cylindrical portion of the oil shield.

The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a compressor assembly which includes a housing, a stationary scroll member fixed within the housing, and an orbiting scroll member disposed within the housing and engaged with the stationary scroll member. The assembly also includes a motor and a crankcase with the crankcase being disposed between the motor and the orbiting scroll member. A bearing support member is fixed within the housing and has a bearing mounted thereto. An elongate shaft rotatable about a shaft axis and having a first end and an opposite second end extends through the crankcase and the motor. The first end of the shaft is operably coupled with the orbiting scroll member and the bearing rotatably supports the shaft proximate the second end. The shaft axis is disposed substantially horizontally during operation of the compressor. A counterweight is rotationally coupled with the shaft proximate the bearing support member and an oil sump is disposed within an interior plenum defined by the housing. An oil shield having a plurality of flexible members mounting the oil shield to the bearing support is also provided. The oil shield has a substantially cylindrical portion extending outwardly from the bearing support and encircling at least a portion of the counterweight.

In such compressor assemblies, each of the plurality of flexible members may have has a distal end with a radially inwardly projecting portion wherein the inwardly projecting portions are engageable with a groove or recess defined by the bearing support and located proximate the bearing. The bearing support may also include a substantially cylindrical central portion wherein the bearing is mounted within the central portion and the oil shield fixedly engages an outer surface of the central portion. A groove or recess for engaging inwardly projecting portions of the flexible members may be located on the outer surface of the central portion. The counterweight may be disposed on a rotor rotationally coupled to the shaft.

An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a shield which is readily attachable to a bearing support that prevents the fanning action of a counterweight from agitating oil pooled within the compressor housing proximate the counterweight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is an exploded view of a scroll compressor in accordance with the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is an end view of the compressor of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a sectional view of the compressor of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> taken along line <b>3</b>—<b>3</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a sectional view of the compressor of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> taken along line <b>4</b>—<b>4</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is an exploded view of a bearing support assembly including an oil shield.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a side view of a bearing support.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a partial cross sectional view of a bearing support with attached oil shield.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a top view of an oil shield.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a cross sectional view taken along line <b>9</b>—<b>9</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the exemplification set out herein illustrates an embodiment of the invention, the embodiment disclosed below is not intended to be exhaustive or to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to the precise form disclosed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a scroll compressor <b>20</b> is shown in an exploded view in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Scroll compressor <b>20</b> includes a fixed or stationary scroll member <b>22</b> which is engaged with an orbiting scroll member <b>24</b>. Fixed and orbiting scroll members <b>22</b>, <b>24</b> respectively include an involute wrap <b>26</b>, <b>28</b>. A refrigerant is compressed between scroll members <b>22</b>, <b>24</b> in pockets which are formed between involute wraps <b>26</b>, <b>28</b> and which migrate radially inwardly as scroll member <b>24</b> orbitally moves relative to fixed scroll member <b>22</b>. The refrigerant enters the space between the scroll members at low pressure through inlet <b>23</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) located at the radially outer portion of the space formed between scroll members <b>22</b>, <b>24</b> and is discharged at a relatively high pressure through a discharge port <b>30</b> located proximate the radial center of fixed scroll member <b>22</b>. Scroll members <b>22</b>, <b>24</b> each have carbon steel tip seals <b>40</b> mounted in recesses located in the distal tips of involute wraps <b>26</b>, <b>28</b>, for providing a seal between involute wraps <b>26</b>, <b>28</b> and the base plate of the opposing scroll member.

A one-way valve allows compressed refrigerant to be discharged into a discharge chamber or plenum <b>38</b> and prevents compressed refrigerant located in discharge plenum <b>38</b> from reentering discharge port <b>30</b>. The valve includes an exhaust valve leaf <b>32</b> which sealingly engages fixed scroll member <b>22</b> at discharge port <b>30</b> and an exhaust valve retainer <b>34</b>. Valve leaf <b>32</b> is secured between fixed scroll member <b>22</b> and valve retainer <b>34</b>. Valve retainer <b>34</b> has a bend at its distal end which allows valve leaf <b>32</b> to flex outwardly away from discharge port <b>30</b> when gas is compressed between scroll members <b>22</b>, <b>24</b> and thereby permit the passage of high pressure gas into discharge plenum <b>38</b>. Valve retainer <b>34</b> limits the extent to which valve leaf <b>32</b> may flex outwardly away from discharge port <b>30</b> to prevent damage from excessive flexing of valve leaf <b>32</b>. A threaded fastener <b>36</b> secures valve retainer <b>34</b> and valve leaf <b>32</b> to fixed scroll member <b>22</b>. An alternative valve that may be used with compressor <b>20</b> is described by Haller et al. in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/412,905 entitled COMPRESSOR HAVING DISCHARGE VALVE filed on Sep. 23, 2002 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Pressure relief valve <b>27</b> is positioned between scroll members <b>22</b>, <b>24</b> to allow discharge pressure gas to be directed into the suction pressure inlet in the event of overpressurization.

An Oldham ring <b>44</b> is disposed between fixed scroll member <b>22</b> and orbiting scroll member <b>24</b> to control the relative motion between orbiting scroll member <b>24</b> and fixed scroll member <b>22</b>. Orbiting scroll <b>24</b> is mounted on an eccentrically positioned extension <b>48</b> on shaft <b>46</b> and rotation of shaft <b>46</b> imparts a relative orbital movement between orbiting scroll <b>24</b> and fixed scroll <b>22</b>. The use of shafts having eccentrically positioned extensions and Oldham rings to impart a relative orbital motion between scroll members of a compressor is well known to those having ordinary skill in the art.

A counterweight <b>50</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) includes a collar portion with an opening through which shaft <b>46</b> is inserted. Counterweight <b>50</b> is not shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>. Counterweight <b>50</b> also includes a partially cylindrical wall <b>52</b> which eccentrically loads shaft <b>46</b> to counterbalance the eccentric loading of shaft <b>46</b> by orbiting scroll <b>24</b>. Counterweight <b>50</b> is heat shrink fitted onto shaft <b>46</b> in the disclosed embodiment. Shaft <b>46</b> includes an internal passageway <b>54</b> extending the longitudinal length of shaft <b>46</b> and secondary passages <b>56</b> extending transversely from passageway <b>54</b> to the radially outer surface of shaft <b>46</b>. Passageways <b>54</b>, <b>56</b> communicate lubricating oil between oil sump <b>58</b>, which is located in the suction pressure chamber of the compressor housing, and bearings rotatably engaging shaft <b>46</b>.

Two roller bearings <b>60</b> are positioned on shaft <b>46</b> where shaft <b>46</b> respectively engages orbiting scroll <b>24</b> and crankcase <b>62</b>. A ball bearing <b>64</b> is positioned near the opposite end of shaft <b>46</b> and is mounted within bearing support <b>66</b>. Shaft <b>46</b> may be supported in a manner similar to that described by Haller et al. in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/964,241 filed Sep. 26, 2001 entitled SHAFT AXIAL COMPLIANCE MECHANISM which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Crankcase <b>62</b> is secured to fixed scroll <b>22</b> with threaded fasteners <b>72</b> which pass through apertures <b>74</b> located in fixed scroll <b>22</b> and engage threaded bores <b>76</b> in crankcase <b>62</b>. Crankcase <b>62</b> includes a thrust surface <b>68</b> which slidably engages orbiting scroll <b>24</b> and restricts movement of orbiting scroll <b>24</b> away from fixed scroll <b>22</b>. Crankcase <b>62</b> also includes four legs <b>78</b> which secure the crankcase to stator <b>92</b> as described in greater detail below. Shaft <b>46</b> extends through opening <b>80</b> in crankcase <b>62</b>. Crankcase <b>62</b> includes a shroud portion <b>70</b> which is disposed between legs <b>78</b> in the lower portion of the horizontal compressor housing and partially encloses a space within which counterweight <b>50</b> rotates. Shroud <b>70</b> includes an opening <b>81</b> along its upper portion which permits the equalization of pressure between the space partially enclosed by shroud <b>70</b> and the remainder of the low pressure chamber or plenum <b>39</b> of compressor <b>20</b>. Low pressure plenum <b>39</b> includes that space within compressor housing <b>88</b> located between orbiting scroll <b>24</b> and end cap <b>168</b> and receives the suction pressure refrigerant which is returned to compressor <b>20</b> through inlet tube <b>86</b>.

A suction baffle <b>82</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) is secured between two legs <b>78</b> using fasteners. The illustrated fasteners are socket head cap screws <b>84</b> but other fasteners such as self-tapping screws and other fastening methods may also be used to secure suction baffle <b>82</b>. Suction baffle <b>82</b> is positioned proximate inlet tube <b>86</b> as best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. Refrigerant enters compressor housing <b>88</b> through inlet tube <b>86</b> and suction baffle <b>82</b> is positioned in the flow path of entering refrigerant to redirect the refrigerant along the outer perimeter of crankcase <b>62</b>. The outer perimeter of crankcase <b>62</b> includes a recess <b>85</b> adjacent suction baffle <b>82</b> which defines a passage to inlet <b>23</b>. Crankcase <b>62</b> includes a sleeve portion <b>89</b> in which roller bearing <b>60</b> is mounted for rotatably supporting shaft <b>46</b>. Sleeve <b>89</b> is supported by shroud portion <b>70</b> opposite opening <b>80</b>. An alternative crankcase and suction baffle assembly may include an inlet to housing <b>88</b> located at mid-height wherein the suction baffle has a narrow opening located between inlet <b>86</b> and inlet <b>23</b> which extends transverse to the flow direction of refrigerant along the suction baffle to strip oil from the suction baffle. Crankcases and suction baffles which may be used with compressor <b>20</b> are described by Haller, et al. in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/412,768 entitled COMPRESSOR ASSEMBLY filed on Sep. 23, 2002 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

A motor <b>90</b> is disposed adjacent crankcase <b>62</b> and includes a stator <b>92</b> and a rotor <b>94</b>. Bushings <b>96</b> are used to properly position stator <b>92</b> with respect to crankcase <b>62</b> and bearing support <b>66</b> when assembling compressor <b>20</b>. During assembly, crankcase <b>62</b>, motor <b>90</b> and bearing support <b>66</b> must have their respective bores through which shaft <b>46</b> is inserted precisely aligned. Smooth bore pilot holes <b>100</b>, <b>102</b>, <b>104</b> which are precisely located relative to these bores are provided in crankcase <b>62</b>, motor <b>90</b> and bearing support <b>66</b>. Alignment bushings <b>96</b> fit tightly within the pilot holes to properly align crankcase <b>62</b>, motor <b>90</b> and bearing support <b>66</b>. Bolts <b>98</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) are then used to secure bearing support <b>66</b>, motor <b>90</b> and crankcase <b>62</b> together. Pilot holes <b>100</b> are located on the distal ends of legs <b>78</b> in crankcase <b>62</b> and bolts <b>98</b> are threaded into engagement with threaded portions of holes <b>100</b> when securing crankcase <b>62</b>, motor <b>90</b> and bearing support <b>66</b> together. Pilot holes <b>102</b> located in stator <b>92</b> of motor <b>90</b> extend through stator <b>92</b> and allow the passage of bolts <b>98</b> therethrough. Pilot holes <b>104</b> located in bearing support <b>66</b> also allow the passage of the shafts of bolts <b>98</b> therethrough but prevent the passage of the heads of bolts <b>98</b> which bear against bearing support <b>66</b> when bolts <b>98</b> are engaged with crankcase <b>62</b> to thereby secure crankcase <b>62</b>, motor <b>90</b> and bearing support <b>66</b> together. In the disclosed embodiment, bushings <b>96</b> are hollow sleeves and bolts <b>98</b> are inserted through bushings <b>96</b>. Alternative embodiments, however, could employ pilot holes and bushings to properly align crankcase <b>62</b>, motor <b>90</b> and bearing support <b>66</b> with different methods of securing these parts together. For example, the pilot holes could be separate from the openings through which bolts <b>98</b> are inserted or alternative methods of securing crankcase <b>62</b>, motor <b>90</b> and bearing support <b>66</b> together could be employed with the use of pilot holes and alignment bushings <b>96</b>. Alignment bushings which may be used with compressor <b>20</b> are described by Skinner in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/412,868 entitled COMPRESSOR HAVING ALIGNMENT BUSHINGS AND ASSEMBLY METHOD filed on Sep. 23, 2002 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

A terminal pin cluster <b>108</b> is located on motor <b>90</b> and wiring (not shown) connects cluster <b>108</b> with a second terminal pin cluster <b>110</b> mounted in end cap <b>168</b> and through which electrical power is supplied to motor <b>90</b>. A terminal guard or fence <b>111</b> is welded to end cap <b>168</b> and surrounds terminal cluster <b>110</b>. Shaft <b>46</b> extends through the bore of rotor <b>94</b> and is rotationally secured thereto by a shrink fit whereby rotation of rotor <b>94</b> also rotates shaft <b>46</b>. Rotor <b>94</b> includes a counterweight <b>106</b> at its end proximate bearing support <b>66</b>. Similar to counterweight <b>50</b>, counterweight <b>106</b> located on rotor <b>94</b> acts to counterbalance the eccentric load placed on shaft <b>46</b> by orbiting scroll <b>24</b>. Although counterweight <b>106</b> is not directly mounted to shaft <b>46</b>, rotor <b>94</b> is rotationally secured to shaft <b>46</b> and counterweight <b>106</b> rotates with shaft <b>46</b>, i.e., counterweight <b>106</b> is rotationally coupled to shaft <b>46</b>.

As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the distal end <b>123</b> of oil shield <b>120</b> forms a rim which defines an opening or open end <b>121</b> through which counterweight <b>106</b> may be inserted during assembly of compressor <b>20</b>.

As mentioned above, shaft <b>46</b> is rotatably supported by ball bearing <b>64</b> which is mounted in bearing support <b>66</b>. Bearing support <b>66</b> includes a substantially cylindrical central portion or boss <b>112</b> which defines a substantially cylindrical opening <b>114</b> in which ball bearing <b>64</b> is mounted. A retaining ring <b>118</b> is fitted within a groove <b>116</b> located in the interior of opening <b>114</b> to retain ball bearing <b>64</b> within boss <b>112</b>. An oil shield <b>120</b> is secured to boss <b>112</b> and has a cylindrical portion <b>122</b> which extends towards motor <b>90</b> therefrom. Counterweight <b>106</b> is disposed within the space circumscribed by cylindrical portion <b>122</b> and is thereby shielded from the oil located in oil sump <b>58</b>, although it is expected that the oil level <b>123</b> will be below oil shield <b>120</b> under most circumstances, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. Oil shield <b>120</b> is positioned so that it inhibits the impacting of counterweight <b>106</b> on oil migrating to oil sump <b>58</b> and also inhibits the agitation of oil within oil sump <b>58</b> which might be caused by the movement of refrigerant gas created by the rotation of eccentrically positioned counterweight <b>106</b>. A second substantially cylindrical portion <b>124</b> of oil shield <b>120</b> has a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical portion <b>122</b> and has a plurality of longitudinally extending flexible members or tabs <b>126</b>. Distal ends <b>128</b> of tabs <b>126</b> have radially inwardly projecting portions <b>130</b>. Boss <b>112</b> includes a circular groove, or recess. <b>132</b> on its exterior surface and oil shield <b>120</b> is secured to boss <b>112</b> by positioning tabs <b>126</b> along the exterior surface of boss <b>112</b> with radially inwardly bent portions <b>130</b> extending into groove <b>132</b>.

A second embodiment of a bearing support <b>66</b>′ which may be used with the present invention is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. Those features of bearing support <b>66</b>′ which are similar to the first embodiment use prime reference numerals wherein the reference numeral is the same as in the first embodiment. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an exploded view of a bearing support <b>66</b>′, bearing <b>64</b>, retaining clip <b>118</b> and oil shield <b>120</b>. Bearing <b>64</b> is retained within boss <b>112</b>′ by engaging retaining clip <b>118</b> with groove <b>116</b>′. Bearing support <b>66</b>′ is similar to bearing support <b>66</b> but does not include an integral extension on its rear surface for attaching an oil pick up tube. Instead, an assembly including an oil pick up tube and mechanism for pumping the oil is secured to the rear surface of bearing support <b>66</b>′. Such oil pickup assemblies are well known in the art. Outer ring <b>136</b>′ and support arms <b>134</b>′ also differ from outer ring <b>136</b> and support arms <b>134</b> of bearing support <b>66</b> in that openings <b>104</b>′ do not intersect support arms <b>134</b>′. Groove, or recess, <b>132</b> located on the exterior of boss <b>112</b> can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> which provides a side view of bearing support <b>66</b>. Bearing support <b>66</b>′ includes a similar circular groove located on its exterior for engagement with inwardly bent portions <b>130</b>. A cross sectional view illustrating the engagement of inwardly bent portions <b>130</b> with groove <b>132</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref> provide additional views of oil shield <b>120</b>.

Oil shield <b>120</b> may be manufactured using a polymer material and machining operations. One suitable polymer material which may be used when shield <b>120</b> will be machined is Hydex 4101 available from ALRO Plastics having a place of business in Jackson, Mich. Oil shield <b>120</b> may also be injection molded and a polymer suitable for use in the injection molding of oil shield <b>120</b> is Valox 310 available from General Electric.

Support arms <b>134</b> extend between boss <b>112</b> and outer ring <b>136</b> of bearing support <b>66</b>. The outer perimeter of ring <b>136</b> is press fit into engagement with housing <b>88</b> to secure bearing support <b>66</b> therein. The interior perimeter of outer ring <b>136</b> faces the windings of stator <b>92</b> when bearing support <b>66</b> is engaged with motor <b>90</b>. Flats <b>138</b> are located on the outer perimeter of ring <b>136</b> and the upper flat <b>138</b> facilitates the equalization of pressure within interior plenum by allowing refrigerant to pass between outer ring <b>136</b> and housing <b>88</b>. Flat <b>138</b> located along the bottom of ring <b>136</b> allows oil in oil sump <b>58</b> to pass between ring <b>136</b> and housing <b>88</b>. A notch <b>140</b> located on the interior perimeter of outer ring <b>136</b> may be used to locate bearing support <b>66</b> during machining of bearing support <b>66</b> and also facilitates the equalization of pressure within suction plenum <b>39</b> by allowing refrigerant to pass between stator <b>92</b> and ring <b>136</b>. The outer perimeter of stator <b>92</b> also includes flats to provide passages between stator <b>92</b> and housing <b>88</b> through which lubricating oil and refrigerant may be communicated.

Support arms <b>134</b> are positioned such that the two lowermost arms <b>134</b> form an angle of approximately 120 degrees to limit the extent to which the two lowermost arms <b>134</b> extend into the oil in sump <b>58</b> and thereby limit the displacement of oil within oil sump <b>58</b> by such arms <b>134</b>. A sleeve <b>142</b> projects rearwardly from bearing support <b>66</b> and provides for uptake of lubricating oil from oil sump <b>58</b>. An oil pick up tube <b>144</b> is secured to sleeve <b>142</b> with a threaded fastener <b>146</b>. An O-ring <b>148</b> provides a seal between oil pick up tube <b>144</b> and sleeve <b>142</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, secured within a bore in sleeve and positioned near the end of shaft <b>46</b> are vane <b>150</b>, reversing port plate <b>152</b>, pin <b>154</b>, washer and wave spring <b>156</b>, and retaining ring <b>158</b> which facilitate the communication of lubricating oil through sleeve <b>112</b>. Although appearing as one part in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, washer and wave spring <b>156</b> are two separate parts wherein the washer is a flat circular part which does not include a central opening while the wave spring is formed from a sheet material and has a circular outer perimeter and central opening and circumferentially extending undulations. Such washers and wave springs are known in the art. A bearing support which may be used with compressor <b>20</b> is described by Haller in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/412,890 entitled COMPRESSOR HAVING BEARING SUPPORT filed on Sep. 23, 2002 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The bearing support may also include one or more circumferentially spaced recesses in the surface of the outer ring which bears against the stator whereby any bulges in the laminations of the stator caused by the securing of the bearing support against the stator may project into the recesses. The use of such recesses is described by Skinner et al. in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/617,475 entitled BEARING SUPPORT AND STATOR ASSEMBLY FOR COMPRESSOR which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 4</figref>, compressor housing <b>88</b> includes a discharge end cap <b>160</b> having a relatively flat portion <b>162</b>. Housing <b>88</b> also includes a cylindrical shell <b>166</b> and rear end cap <b>168</b>. End caps <b>160</b>, <b>168</b> are welded to cylindrical shell <b>166</b> to provide an hermetically sealed enclosure. A discharge tube <b>164</b> extends through an opening in flat portion <b>162</b>. The securement of discharge tube <b>164</b> to end cap <b>160</b> by welding or brazing is facilitated by the use of flat portion <b>162</b> immediately surrounding the opening through which discharge tube <b>164</b> is positioned.

After the compressor and motor subassembly is assembled and shrink-fitted into cylindrical housing shell <b>166</b>, fixed scroll member <b>22</b> is positioned within discharge end cap <b>160</b> and tightly engages the interior surface of end cap <b>160</b>. Discharge plenum <b>38</b> is formed between discharge end cap <b>160</b> and fixed scroll member <b>22</b>. As compressed refrigerant is discharged through discharge port <b>30</b> it enters discharge plenum <b>38</b> and is subsequently discharged from compressor <b>20</b> through discharge tube <b>164</b>. Compressed refrigerant carries oil with it as it enters discharge plenum <b>38</b>. Some of this oil will separate from the refrigerant and accumulate in the bottom portion of discharge plenum <b>38</b>. Discharge tube <b>164</b> is located near the bottom portion of discharge plenum <b>38</b> so that the vapor flow discharged through tube <b>164</b> will carry with it oil which has settled to the bottom portion of discharge plenum <b>38</b> and thereby limit the quantity of oil which can accumulate in discharge plenum <b>38</b>. Although the disclosed embodiment utilizes a short, straight length of tubing to provide discharge tube <b>164</b>, alternative embodiments of the discharge outlet may also be used. A discharge plenum configuration which may be used with compressor <b>20</b> is described by Skinner in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/412,871 entitled COMPRESSOR DISCHARGE ASSEMBLY filed on Sep. 23, 2002 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Mounting brackets <b>206</b> and <b>208</b> are welded to housing <b>88</b> and support compressor <b>20</b> in a generally horizontal orientation. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, however, mounting brackets <b>206</b>, <b>208</b> have legs which differ in length such that the axis of shaft <b>46</b> defined by passage <b>54</b> while substantially horizontal will be positioned at an incline. The configuration of brackets <b>206</b>, <b>208</b> are such that the portion of low pressure plenum <b>39</b> positioned below bearing support <b>66</b> and which defines oil sump <b>58</b> will be the lowermost portion of compressor <b>20</b>. Bottom brace members <b>210</b>, <b>212</b> may be secured to support members <b>214</b>, <b>216</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) by a swaging operation. The mounting brackets used with compressor <b>20</b> may be those described by Skinner in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/412,884 entitled COMPRESSOR MOUNTING BRACKET AND METHOD OF MAKING filed on Sep. 23, 2002 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Alternative mounting brackets may also be employed. For example, mounting brackets formed by support members similar to members <b>214</b> and <b>216</b> but which have been given greater rigidity by bending their outer edges downward along the full length of the support members may be used without a crossbrace to support compressor <b>20</b>.

While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.